Things to Have in Your Newborn's Closet

Bringing home a newborn is typically an exhilarating and nerve-racking experience. Aside from diapers, wipes, bottles and linens, there's also the issue of clothing. According to Wesley Medical Center website, your baby will need at least two or layers of clothing unless the air temperature is above 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Though it's tempting to fill her closet with every adorable outfit you see throughout your pregnancy, remember that when selecting clothes for your infant, comfort and safety are the most important considerations, according to HealthyChildren.org, a website sponsored by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

  1. Underlayers

    • One-piece, T-shirt-like suits with snaps at the crotch and regular undershirts help insulate your newborn's limited body heat. The one-piece suits should be loose and soft -- and made from flame-retardant fabrics. Choose suits with a roomy neckline that slides easily over your baby's head. Newborns generally dislike having something tight pulled over their heads. A loose, one-piece suit that's easy to remove is less likely to upset your baby, reports HealthyChildren.org. For newborns, stick with basic, no-frills one-piece suits, as embellishments like rhinestones or ribbons can irritate your infant's skin -- and become choking hazards.

    Receiving Gowns

    • Sliding tiny legs and feet through narrow pant legs isn't a pleasant experience for anyone, including your easily-chilled newborn. Instead of traditional pant legs, receiving gowns resemble a traditional shirt on top with a loose skirt on the bottom that closes with buttons or snaps. Both boys and girls can wear receiving gowns. The open design at the bottom of the gown allows your little one to move her legs freely without the confines of leggings or pants. This accessibility also allows you to change her diaper quickly and comfortably.

    Sleepwear

    • Footie pajamas keep every part of your newborn's body warm, making them an important first layer of sleepwear, according to the Wesley Medical Center website. Since blankets, covers and pillows are suffocation threats to a newborn, you'll also want to have a few blanket sleepers, or sleep sacks, in his closet as well. Blanket sleepers go over pajamas and resemble receiving gowns. They are typically made of fleece or cotton and have a zipper up front. By wearing his blanket, your newborn gets the necessary warmth without potential danger of loose blankets.

    Outerwear

    • Even if you live in a relatively temperate climate, a good rule of thumb is that your newborn always needs an additional layer beyond what you would need to feel warm, according to HealthyChildren.org. This makes having outerwear items like soft-knit sweaters, socks and fitted caps a good investment before your baby arrives. If your newborn is due in a cooler month and you live in a region that's cold, you should also have a newborn bunting suit, which is similar to a baby snowsuit in that it covers her arms and legs when you take her outside your home in the winter.

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